Has anyone used the self-sealing mast tape instead of the traditional mast boots? I need to replace my old vinyl boot and this tape may be a viable option and maybe easier to work with??
There seems to be a couple of manufacturers of it. It's 4" wide and sticks to itself forming a waterproof seal.
Thanks for your feedback.
Tom

I make mast boots out of weblon. Mine has been in service for 6 yrs and doesn't leak. Procedure is as follows: pattern your vinyl in place lapping the ends an inch or so. Cut to fit, use a vinyl cement like hh66 to bond flap so its one piece and wraps the mast tightly. After dried roll the vinyl down the mast and put a good caulk bead around then roll it back up and run your finger around to spread the caulk and push the excess up and clean well. Then I wrap the top and bottom with a heavy uv resistant thread. Looks bristol and costs just a few bucks. On masts with inside slugs the groove must be filled above the level of the boot then smoothed so it angles down so water doesn't pool there.

__________________
As I sit, a swirling sea of passion gives it's poems in waves underneath me.
The whispers of the sun in my eyes, a silence within.
Rhythm of the surf, drums of the sea. Thoughts tumble and toss about the deep blue abyss inside me, where the love of you dwells.
I'm fighting currents to get back to you, listening to the flow of your liquid language as you beckon me, "Come Play"
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__________________
As I sit, a swirling sea of passion gives it's poems in waves underneath me.
The whispers of the sun in my eyes, a silence within.
Rhythm of the surf, drums of the sea. Thoughts tumble and toss about the deep blue abyss inside me, where the love of you dwells.
I'm fighting currents to get back to you, listening to the flow of your liquid language as you beckon me, "Come Play"
Mariners Cove, CI. Anonymous.

Thanks All,
I installed the old vinyl one at least a decade ago, so I am familiar with the process, but was real curious about this self-sealing tape and I also wonder how well it would do if I applied it overtop of the existing boot which would lend it some support as you wrap it.
FSBO, I am going to Google that Weblon material you mentioned.

I use roofers self sealing flashing. 4" tape is way to small. The roofing stuff is available in 12" . For a waterproof seal nothing is better. Mine has been on for at least five years no issue. This should have a 20 year life to match the roofing warranty. Better is the price. I have asked roofers if they have any and they cut a piece off and give me some.

I am getting ready to put my mast back up and I would really like to see a photo of your mast boot. Please can you post a photo? I have tried to google "roofers self sealing flashing and I am not getting very good results. I think the problem for me is that I am in Thailand and I don't know if they have the same roofing solutions as the US or Europe.

Sabray,
Are you referring to the white, vinyl coated flashing that has a sticky black surface on the inside? I have used this on construction projects, but never thought of it for a mast boot. I wonder if it would leave a black sticky mess when you remove it?

I recently replaced my leaking mast boot with the self sealing tape and it still leaks. However the tape that I used was more than 10 years old and that may be the problem even though the package was never opened until now. I was going to get a new one and give it another try, but maybe there is a better solution.

Sabray,
Are you referring to the white, vinyl coated flashing that has a sticky black surface on the inside? I have used this on construction projects, but never thought of it for a mast boot. I wonder if it would leave a black sticky mess when you remove it?

It is a thick rubber with self bonding adhesive. Comes in white and black. Stretches so you can pull it tight. Wish i could remember its proper name. Very common in roofing applications especially on rubber roofs. Hope that helps.